Kelly Durden has over 15 years of experience in the non-profit public health sector at regional and national levels. As the Director of Program Implementation at the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD), she provides strategic leadership and support for NACDD’s programming, focusing on the Association’s Cancer, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular health.

Before joining NACDD in 2022, Kelly spent 11.5 years at the American Cancer Society (ACS). Her work encompassed the full cancer continuum, from early detection and screening to improving access to clinical trials and biomarker testing. As the Director of Lung Cancer Initiatives, she led several projects to increase lung cancer screening rates, reduce stigma, and enhance access to biomarker testing through clinical education. Additionally, Kelly played a crucial role in founding the Georgia Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (GCCRT) and the Georgia Lung Cancer Roundtable (GLCRT), where she collaborated with state health systems to improve access to care, implement screening and prevention programs, and enhance the quality of care. Before her tenure at the American Cancer Society, Kelly served as the Program Manager at Family House in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and as the Program Director for the Arthritis Foundation’s Western Pennsylvania Chapter. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social and Public Policy, concentrating on Policy Analysis and Administration, from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

A native of Pittsburgh, Kelly is a dedicated Steelers fan. She resides in Atlanta with her husband, their active son, and two dachshunds. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, cooking, and exercising.